Masters of Science Degree for Secondary School Teachers (MSSST)
The College of Science offers a masters degree program tailored specifically for certified secondary school education teachers in mathematics and science.
Started in 1972, the MSSST Program aims to help practicing teachers acquire a deeper and broader science background. The major areas of emphasis are Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. The final goal of the program is to improve the quality of science and mathematics teaching in secondary schools throughout Utah. The desired applicant for the MSSST Program is a professional science or mathematics teacher who plans to stay in their field. You do not need an academic or teaching major in the science subject you currently teach to enter the program. Once accepted into the program you will select your own graduate committee. Your committee will help you design your individualized program and monitor your performance and progress. The program is completed with a master's project, which is developed by you and your committee. A written report of this activity is required.
MSSST Curriculum
Students design an individual plan of study with their advisor. There is no required set of curriculum that must be followed. You begin your coursework at a level compatible with your current knowledge and background. Students need to complete 30-33 credit hours for graduation. These credits must include at least 20 hours of coursework credits and 6 project credits. The remaining credit hours can be a combination of allied, transfer or coursework credits. Keeping the demands of your schedule in mind, you can take fewer credit hours per semester.
Sample of courses taken in the past are listed below. This is not a complete list.
- BIOL 2020 - Principles of Cell Biology
- CHEM 2310 - Organic Chemistry I
- MATH 5700 - Capstone Course
- PHYS 5070 - Physics Teaching Methods
- ED PS 5960 - Student Development
- T & L 6126 - Content Literacy
How Do I Apply?
An application to both the MSSST Program and the Graduate School is required.
MSSST Program Requirements
The applicant must have:
- A valid teaching certificate and be teaching science or mathematics in a secondary school.
- At least three years teaching experience.
MSSST Admission Process
- Complete the MSSST Degree Program Application (PDF)
- Request official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended to be sent to the MSSST Program office.
- Ask a school principal, or other educational officer in a position to judge your capacity as an educator, to send a letter of recommendation.
- Write a one-page essay concerning your professional aspirations.
- The MSSST Degree Program Committee will interview you once the program office has received all the required documents.
Graduate School Requirements
The applicant must have:
- An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 based on all undergraduate work, or work completed during the last two years of undergraduate study.
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited university or college.
Graduate School Admission Process
- Complete the Graduate Application, these can be obtained from the Admissions Office website.
- Request official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended be sent to the Admissions Office.
- Send verification that you have applied to the Graduate School to the MSSST Program Office.
NOTE: When completing the Graduate application select the - Science Program MS in the drop down menu.
Admission Deadlines
Deadlines for both the Graduate School and the MSSST Program are:
- Fall Semester: April 1
- Spring Semester: November 1
- Summer Semester: March 15
You may apply to the MSSST Program office prior to applying to the Graduate School if time permits.
There is no application fee to apply to the MSSST Program.
There is a $55.00 admissions fee for domestic students and a $65.00 admissions fee for international students when applying to the Graduate School. Applications submitted after the deadline will be assessed a $30.00 late fee in addition to the application fee.
